Over the past year I’ve learned that nothing brings generations together like discussing the best Rare Beauty products: The brand is something that I, a millennial, my Gen Z sister, my 11- and 17-year-old Gen Alpha nieces (who, yes, are Sephora tweens and teens), and my baby boomer mother have spent many a family dinner bonding over and now regularly text about.
This may not seem exceptional at first, but such universal appeal is no small feat. Rare Beauty is perpetually trending on TikTok—in fact, several of its products like the Soft Pinch Liquid Blush and Tinted Lip Oil have gone viral and sold out as a result. While this is the case for plenty of other brands that Gen Alpha adores, there are many which my mom and I wouldn’t touch with a 10-foot pole. Similarly, the youths think some of our faves are “old-fashioned” or “uncool.” (Rude.)
So what sets Rare Beauty products apart from the rest beyond the fact that it’s buzzy? The products are actually really good.
I know, I know: I was hesitant at first too. It is another celebrity-owned beauty brand—in case you’re somehow unaware, Selena Gomez is the founder—which is a controversial phenomenon in itself. But Gomez and her team have seriously put in the work, and their products’ top-notch quality and universal appeal is proof. Its relative affordability is just icing on the cake.
Glamour beauty writer Danielle Sinay testing her favorite Rare Beauty products.
Courtesy of Danielle Sinay
There’s a reason I, a beauty editor, and several other Glamour editors love and use Rare Beauty products on a day-to-day basis. (No, really, we even have the photos to prove it.) But there’s one problem when it comes to universally beloved brands: choosing where and how to start.
Fortunately, we’ve got you covered in that department: Glamour editors tested and reviewed all the best Rare Beauty products so you don’t have to. We even tapped Rare Beauty global stylist Cynthia Di Meo for expert insight and tips on how to use and apply them—plus her viral blush hack—so you’ll be a pro in no time.
Get your Sephora carts ready! Shop all the Rare Beauty products below.
All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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1/11
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Liquid Blush is possibly the brand’s most popular product, and once you try it, you’ll immediately see why. With its showstopping pigment, sensitive-skin-friendly formula, 14 diverse and flattering shades, seamless brush application, and silky-smooth texture that layers well with other skin-care and makeup products, it’s pretty much the perfect blush. We think it’s very much worthy of all of its viral fame, and possibly even then some.
Also of note? It comes in both a radiant and matte finish, so you can customize your glam accordingly. Rare Beauty also offers a corresponding Soft Pinch Blush Brush, which simplifies application and blending even further (see its blending abilities in the photo above). Selena Gomez and I both wear the shade Believe, a true mauve, but all the shades are simply to die for no matter your undertone.
As for how to apply it? “I like to start with one dot, blend on the apple of the cheek up at an angle toward the top of the ear, and add more if desired,” says Di Meo. “It’s mistake-proof, and it layers beautifully over liquid/powder formulas without disturbing makeup.”
Save when you shop for the best Rare Beauty products with these Sephora promo codes.
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2/11
Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer Highlight
A close second to the blush is Rare Beauty’s Positive Light Liquid Luminizer Highlight, which, much like the blush, is the best product of its kind. It’s bright, luminous, and light-reflecting without looking or feeling heavy or over-the-top. It’s ideal for blending and layering (especially with the blush), and can be applied and blended with your fingers. It comes in eight gorgeous shades and instantly elevates any skin-care or makeup look. I love this highlighter so much, in fact, that it inspired me to change how I do my makeup, and since I’ve started using it, I’ve leaned more into a radiant, glowing finish than a matte one. Selena Gomez is out here changing lives!
“[This is] a silky, second-skin liquid highlighter with superfine, light-catching pearl that creates a subtle buildable glow, and does not settle into fine lines,” says Di Meo. “I love this formula to add highlight around the eye area and top of the cheekbones since it’s flexible and moves with the natural texture on the skin. It’s best applied with your fingertips by lightly tapping the product where you want to attract light. It does dry down on its own for all-day wear.”
As for her viral blush hack? “Mix the Liquid Luminizer with your Soft Pinch Blush for an extra glowy look,” she suggests (you know I’m already on that).
Save when you shop for the best Rare Beauty products with these Sephora promo codes.